Thai king's rare birthday parade brings royal tradition back to Bangkok streets
First-time-in-16-years military parade took place in Bangkokʼs Royal Plaza for kings 72nd birthday. Queen led hundreds of troops to honor the monarch in this special cultural celebration
In a grand display at Bangkokʼs Royal Plaza‚ King Maha Vajiralongkorn watched as his queen led a special military procession — an event that hasnt been seen in the capital for about 16 years. The ceremony (which marked the kings 72nd birthday) brought back long-missed royal traditions to the citys heart
The parade showed off hundreds of well-trained military personnel marching in perfect sync; while the queen took her position at the front of the formation. Thai culture puts special meaning into 12-year birthday cycles: the 72nd birthday marks the completion of six cycles — making it extra-special in local beliefs
Even though King Vajiralongkornʼs actual birth-date falls on Jul-28‚ the celebration happened in early Dec. This timing follows an old custom from his fathers reign‚ when royal festivities took place on Dec-5th. The return of this grand parade to Royal Plaza marks a big step in keeping Thai royal customs alive
